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Funding for farmers to turn waste into energy

Posted at October 12, 2013 | By : | Categories : News | Comments Off on Funding for farmers to turn waste into energy

Farmers can now obtain funding to set up small anaerobic digestion (AD) plants under a government-funded loan scheme.

The £3 million initiative allows farmers to apply for up to £400,000 to help them finance on-site AD technology, which can save money on energy costs and even boost  income if they export electricity to the grid.

In addition, farmers can use the bio-fertiliser produced by the AD process to replace some of the artificial fertilisers they would otherwise buy.

Environment Secretary, Owen Paterson, says: “This funding provides an opportunity for farmers across the country to consider whether AD technology is right for their farms, in order to cut waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and recycle valuable nutrients back to the land.”

“Farmers who would have otherwise struggled to get finance to set up a small scale AD plant will be able to apply for a loan for up to 50% the cost.”

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